Easy Recipes and Tips for Entertaining Successfully

A lot of people feel anxious about entertaining guests. Like most things in life, it becomes easier with time and more experience, but even then writing a list or two will make the even so much easier to run successfully.

Have you ever found yourself in the situation where you have organized a party and found at the end of the evening or the next day, that you have not put all the food items out for the guests? It is something that frequently happens at parties. Hostesses get busy with guests andmaking sure everyone is happy or they get friends coming in the kitchen trying to help but end up chatting and then everything becomes a muddle.
Lists make running your party successfully so much easier.

Firstly, I make a list of all the food I want to serve. Then I re-evaluate the list again and see if there is anything that can be deleted or added according to ease of preparation, too much of the same type of dish, likes, dislikes and color presentation. Lastly I organize the list into what order I want to serve the dishes. This is usually more relevant if you are having a dinner party. The finished list I put on the fridge!

Secondly, I make a shopping list. The shopping list assuch could actually be a couple of lists instead of just one. I might make one for two weeks prior for tinned and frozen products. Then a list for cooking for the week prior to the event and then a list for the last minute items that I will buy the day before or on the day.

Thirdly, I make a list for any drink supplies I will need.

If I am having a sit down dinner then I will also have a list of what I intend to put on the table and again, that is so handy if someone wants to help you set up.

If you have lists you do not have to rely on your memory for running a successful party. It is so easy to get sidetracked by unexpected events prior to the day or even on the day when not everything goes the way it should.

Having a list in full view of everyone will also make it easier for people to help you on the day. Plan your entertaining with lists and easy, but tasty recipes, and you will be "the hostess with the mostest".

----------------------------------------------------With over 10 years in the food industry and as a working mum Kaye Dennan has put together an ebook "Easy Budget Meals 4U" so that busy moms can entertain with confidence. Just go to http://easybudgetmeals4U.com for more information and photos. For more tips on entertaining follow my blog at http://easybudgetmeals4u-blog.com/